The New Year is finally upon us, and if you’re like most people, you already have a New Year’s resolution in mind. What’s your plan for the year ahead of you? Do you want to become happier, healthier, or wealthier? No matter what type of resolution is on your mind this year, one thing is for certain: it will only work out if it’s achievable.
Set Modest Goals at First
Although a resolution is a powerful tool for getting your life on track, too much of one thing can have negative consequences. For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, be sure to start off with small goals. Losing 10 pounds over the course of a month may sound like a lot at first, but if you set the bar too high by trying to lose 20 pounds in three months, it’s likely to put a strain on your body. It’s best to target smaller goals.
Remain Optimistic and Motivated
As you embark on your journey to reach each goal, it’s important to be optimistic and stay motivated. Remind yourself of the reason why you wanted to change in the first place, and remind yourself that anything is possible, no matter how big or small it may be. Once you’ve reached a goal, reward yourself! You deserve it!
Identify Your Specific Health Goals
You need to be specific about your health and fitness goals. Be it to lose weight, build muscle or improve your overall health, the details of your plan matter. You need to identify exactly what you want to achieve, whether it’s eating healthier, sleeping better, or getting more active.
Maintain Accountability
Once you’ve decided on a goal, make sure that you stay motivated and on task by keeping yourself accountable. It’s also important not to skip workouts or meals because a resolution is often hard to stick with if there are temptations in the way. An extra piece of chocolate or a quick trip to a fast-food restaurant can easily kill your motivation, so make sure you follow through. Try to have a partner or friend that is willing to keep you accountable and check up on you.
Alter Your Routine Every Now and Then
The key to being consistent with achieving your goals is to recognize when you’ve not been doing as well as you’d like or don’t have the energy required to give your whole body the workout it needs. For instance, suddenly waking up after a long winter’s sleep or missing a workout because of work meetings may make you feel like you’re falling behind and push you to start reaching for an unhealthy snack or drink.
In conclusion, achieving your health and fitness goals are not about forcing yourself to do something that requires a miracle to accomplish. It’s about setting manageable goals, remaining optimistic, maintaining accountability, and ensuring you’re creating a routine that fits your life and is sustainable for you to manage. Becoming a healthier version of yourself will set you up for a better future.
